Thread: Photocell-timer-motion

Any solutions...I normally will set up the front of a house system with just a photocell-timer combo. A customer wants to keep it that way but also have a motion detector for after the timer shuts it off. Any ideas? Its a very small system...only 6 lights. I told him keep it on all night...dont know how that will go.

Ditto on the Zone Control. Their products offer great control and would work well for this instance. There is also a low voltage motion sensor from RAB that works well to control a few lights, but it works as a relay, so requires constant power.

John is correct in regards to your options. Given that it is a small system, I would opt for the LV motion sensor from RAB over the ABT system. It is far more simple and cost effective.

The ABT system, while effective, can be a real challenge to install and set up. It also doesn't blend in or 'hide' very well.

All that being said, I am not a big fan of motion controlled lighting. If the system is designed well, it should provide for safe, secure, effective and efficient lighting that is unobtrusive. If all night security is a concern, have the system come on a dusk and off at dawn using a astro timer. The client will not have to be concerned with potentially finicky motion detectors (aimed at the wrong spot?) and if you are using LEDs, the electrical draw will be minimal.

Zone control works for this. If he's worried about the cost of running them another 4-5 hours a night it's only going to run him .5-.10 cents more per night to operate. it's nothing in the grand scheme and the extra security it provides in the critical morning hours is worth it.